Students who suffer from test anxiety often have some of the following symptoms: the need for frequent urination, dilated pupils, and a dry mouth. What branch of the autonomic nervous system would cause these symptoms?

The body's nervous system is divided into the central and peripheral nervous systems. The peripheral nervous system is divided into the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system is in turn divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems as well as the enteric nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system plays a role in stress response or in the fight-or-flight response. The nerves of the sympathetic nervous system innervate many organs in the body and regulates the physiologic and homeostatic processes in these organs according to the stimulating factors.

The catecholamines which are released from the adrenal glands on stimulation by the sympathetic nerves, play a role in stress response. The common of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system include;

Inhibition of salivation which causes dry mouth.

Mydriasis, which is the dilatation of the pupils.

Relaxation of the bladder muscles

Increased heart rate.

Increased breathing.